Baldwinsville Auto Repair

  Have you ever experienced your car pulling to one side while driving? This can be a frustrating and even dangerous problem. Pulling can cause premature wear and tear on your tires. This can lead to reduced fuel economy and compromising your driving experience. To ensure a safe and comfortable drive, it is important to understand why your car is pulling to one side. Learn more about the reasons behind this problem and what you can do to to fix them.   Wheel Alignment Issues One of the most common reasons for your car pulling to one side is related to wheel alignment issues. Your car's wheel alignment can be thrown off by several factors such as hitting a curb, potholes, or worn out steering components. When this happens, the alignment of the wheels can become misaligned. This can lead to uneven wear on the tires and pulling to one side. A simple alignment service can help get you back on track in no time.     Uneven Tire Wear Your tires play a critical role ... read more

    Making the decision to repair or replace your car can be tough. On the one hand, you don’t want to sink too much money into an old car – but on the other, you don’t want to spend more than you have to. Before making any decisions, weighing each option’s pros and cons is important. Let’s break it down for customers looking for guidance.   Assessing Your Car’s Condition The first thing to do before deciding whether to fix or get rid of your car is to assess its condition. If your car is newer and still under warranty, many repairs may be covered by the manufacturer. And that makes it easier to decide whether to keep it or not. If it’s an older model, other things need to be taken into account. Consider how much money you have already invested in repairs versus how much longer you think the car will last if fixed again. Inv ... read more

  Lou’s Car Care is a full-service, independent auto repair shop in Baldwinsville, NY. We repair all makes and models of vehicles including European product lines.  Just like humans, automobiles need checkups from time to time. Our certified auto technicians can complete routine oil changes, new tires, brake and rotor replacements, and alignments. We can also handle more in-depth concerns such as engine diagnostics, heat or a/c malfunctions, and electrical issues. Germany is well known for producing quality vehicles that last a lifetime. Audi, BMW, Mercede ... read more

  , A clunking, rattling, or squeaking noise from your front end while driving can be annoying and unnerving. Oftentimes, this noisy symptom means there is a problem with your vehicle’s suspension system. These sounds typically occur when driving over uneven surfaces, bumps, or potholes. Here are some of the potential causes for the clunking noises you hear while driving. Loose Control Arms Control arms connect the frame of the vehicle to the wheel hub assembly or steering knuckle. They move up and down with a spring when your car hits a bump or road irregularity. Control arms are part of the suspension system. They allow the tires to maintain full contact with the road at all times. One of the earliest signs of a loose or damaged control arm is hearing a clunking or popping sound when you drive over uneven roads. This sound can also be heard when you speed up or slow down while driving.   Worn Ball Joints Ball joints are one of t ... read more

    Vehicle maintenance at regular intervals helps keep your car in proper working order. And can prevent expensive repairs down the road. Even the most well-maintained cars will experience unexpected service problems. But it is better to be proactive rather than reactive. Keeping detailed service records can also help boost your car’s value when you decide to sell it or trade it in. Failing to follow preventative maintenance guidelines could even void your car’s warranty. Use this guide to learn about common maintenance recommendations.   3,000 – 5,000 miles – Oil Change   An Oil Change is the most standard maintenance service for every car owner. An oil change every 3,000 - 5,000 miles is essential for keeping the key parts of your engine working properly. We recommend having your tires rotated every 5,000 miles to ensu ... read more

What Is The Difference Between Shocks and Struts? Many people describe shocks and struts interchangeably, but they have some major differences, even while serving similar functions. Since they play an integral role in keeping your wheels connected to the road and driving smoothly, it is important to know some of the basics. It can also be helpful to know what could go wrong with these parts.   The Differences Between Shocks and Struts You may have heard these two parts discussed as if they were essentially the same, but they are designed differently. A strut is connected to a vehicle’s suspension system structurally and is a crucial part of the steering system. It also contains its own coil spring, which is part of the reason why a strut is more expensive.   A shock is a hydraulic piston, with liquid or gas inside, that dampens movement. Shocks do not support the weight of the vehicle like struts do and are often used with the rear wh ... read more

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T DRIVE YOUR CAR FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME? The last few years have had the world adjusting to a “new normal”. Many people are now working from home or not driving as much as they once were. We are often asked, “Will not driving my car have a negative impact on the engine, engine oil, battery, brakes and tires?” “What can I do to keep my car running smoothly during this transitional time?” Here are some tips to keep your car in top shape, even if you don’t drive it often.   DO I HAVE TO DRIVE MY CAR EVERYDAY?   It is not necessary to drive your car every day. Driving a few times a week can help keep things moving along and prevent running into issues in the near future.   WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAR SITS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME?   Vehicles that aren’t driven regularly will drain the battery. There are multiple systems that still draw power as a vehicle sits.  Your car’s battery ... read more